Forever Family

So I detest the term above as many of you know but it seems perfectly suited to the post. As you all know we had an emergency placement of two kids (Darnell & Deisha) for the past two months. It was an experience (code word for tough but doable) for all involved. We were able to get a lot of their immediate needs met and get them all set for their transition to their permanent adoptive placement. We worked with their new mom Trisha to slowly adjust their lives here to match the one they were going to. It was great to watch them respond to the positive changes and to see them make the choice to open up emotional and invest into what's happening around them. They had a few rough moments going from our house to Trisha's during their overnight visits. 

We had a wonderful pizza party for them the night before they moved to their new home. It was great to have our immediate family band together again and show them that we were happy to see them placed in a great new home. We got the kids some luggage avoiding the classic garbage bags used to transport their clothes before. We bought two large boxes for their toys and decorated them with stickers. We ate food, took photos and then helped them pack up their things. It felt very peaceful and hopeful, no feeling of anxiety or fear. The next morning they left with their new adoptive mom. It was perfect considering everything that has happened.

Their departure triggered another miracle for us the following morning. Tre woke up almost completely reverted to his old self. During the emergency placement he was very thin skinned and seemed to have no  emotional reserves. Anytime there was conflict it soon ended up with multiple children upset and vocal. We had a day of the following:

Tre: I think I need a nap, can I take one?

*long pause*

Me: Uhm sure bud.

Tre: I'm hungry, can I have some lunch soon?

*long pause*

Me: Of course, let's go see what we have.

He spent the day being himself. If he hit any walls (us telling him no for example), there was a pause as he took it in and then moved on to the next thing. It was beyond incredible to see him reset to where he was before the emergency placement. We had powered through the day getting his room set back up to its original configuration and it seemed to have paid off. We all did small joyful dances every time the Boy did something or said something that was like the Tre we had come to know and love.  It was reassuring to know that all the work and effort we put into him feeling safe and connected to us was still there. So he was plugged back into his "forever family".

The last person we're waiting for is Siddha. We have spent the last several years trying to make our family, working and struggling to make things happen but still maintain our identity as a family and we're almost done. We're in the window right now where Leng could give birth anytime so her being here is right around the corner. Leng's been having some contractions and she's thinks it's getting close now. We've got the nursery all set to go with a last round of shopping.  Everything is washed, sorted and put away. All we really need now is her. Leng's mother arrived a few days ago to help out over at the girl's house with Leng's recovery. After having three kids for the past two months a newborn baby sounds easy and effortless by comparison. So we're ready. :)

We have figured out the camera situation so I should be getting more photos up and more often. I promise to get the baby shower pictures up in the next week along with more photos that have been trapped on the thrice evil camera for all this time. So keep an eye out for new photo sets in the next few days or over the weeks if Siddha arrives soon. 

Thanks all for reading the blog despite being sporadic. I appreciate the connections being maintained and people staying in our lives anyway that they can. You have my personal gratitude and thanks, we have felt the care and love.  We're here now with our son and awaiting the arrival of our daughter because of everyone of you. 

So take a bow, you were wonderful.